Leisure is the section where we highlight the intriguing, exciting and all-around fun events and activities happening in Baltimore over the weekend.
Julia Vargas is a sophomore majoring in Mathematics from Brooklyn, N.Y. Using the popular student app Sidechat to gauge interest, her sourdough business quickly exploded in popularity and is now taking orders on Instagram: @sidechatsourdough. Some of the options offered include rosemary, jalapeno cheddar and pesto mozzarella.
The last weekend of February leans heavily into live music across Baltimore, with jazz, experimental performance and candlelit concerts setting the tone. From international festival lineups and genre-bending multimedia shows to local celebrations of craft cocktails and classic ‘90s hits, the weekend moves easily from intimate listening rooms to high-energy nights out.
A lot of people ask me why I waste money on sugary mocktails when the non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks, coffee, and more exist at all restaurants. I believe those people completely miss the best part of mocktails: similar to cocktails, they never get boring.
This Valentine’s Day, I got fancy art lessons and a workout for my jaw from all the “wow” faces that I was making. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm with free admission, the museum is the perfect location for a spontaneous date or an afternoon of discovery!
On Feb. 8, the Hopkins Tea Club hosted its third annual “Tea Formal.” The Tea Club is a cross-campus student organization with members from both the Peabody and Homewood campuses. Its mission, to educate Hopkins affiliates on the practices of tea brewing, serves to spread the traditions of tea to all through events such as the Tea Formal.
Located in Baltimore’s Northeast Market, Ta’ Que Rico is a vibrant and bustling destination for Peruvian flavors. Some of its most popular menu items include Peruvian Jerk Wings and different types of fried rice. In an interview with The News-Letter, Flavia Carrasco, Ta’ Que Rico’s founder, recounts her journey.
Valentine’s Day weekend shows up in a lot of forms this year. Some events lean into love and heartbreak head-on, others take a more offbeat or low-pressure approach and a few have nothing to do with romance at all. From awkward diary confessions and science after dark to opera, maple syrup and tattoo fundraisers, the weekend lineup leaves plenty of room to celebrate, avoid or completely redefine Valentine’s Day on your own terms.
Founder Ken Leong, who goes by Kenny, started 2AM Project after realizing how limited late-night dining options were near campus and across the city.
Co-founder David Alima traces The Charmery’s roots to a shared dream with his wife Laura: to open a business grounded in craft, curiosity and place.
With the semester finally running on a normal schedule after weeks broken up by holidays and snow, this weekend feels like the first real pause since winter break ended. The lineup reflects that shift, offering a mix of campus traditions, city staples and easy plans that fit somewhere between catching your breath and getting back into a routine.
Between the canceled classes and the biting chill, this second week back has been a bit of a frozen blur. While there was hope for "Reduced Operations" to last through Friday, the reopening on Wednesday meant a quick return to the grind and a lot of effort spent avoiding black ice. With the forecast promising more snow, leaning into the reality of the weather feels like the best move. Instead of trying to power through, the focus is on staying warm, keeping things low-effort and finding a genuine reason to enjoy being stuck indoors.
In an interview with The News-Letter, Ace reflects on how the series began, what it has taught him about Baltimore and why creating is ultimately about human connection.
Welcome back for the spring, just in time for an unexpected winter storm. Between settling back in, syllabus season and snow in the forecast, this weekend is shaping up to be a slower return to campus life. If you do end up venturing out, there are a handful of things happening around the city, from concerts and theater to skating and a playoff watch party, all easy options for easing back into the semester.
I have a special affection for ceviche. It preserves the original texture of fish while balancing bright, fruity tinges in a sophisticated way. It also comes in varying forms. Each plate feels like a standalone piece of art, where ingredients and sauces shine together like a constellation.
A few weeks ago I found myself, all dolled up, at the grand banquet of a Jane Austen Society conference, and I think I might have peaked right then.
Born from Prateek’s nostalgia for roadside chai in India and Kayla’s creative eye, Chachu’s Chai brings fresh spices, seasonal flavors and heartfelt community energy to Baltimore. Between rainy pop-ups, sliding-scale pricing and countless batches of lavender chai, the duo has built something far bigger than a drink. They tell their story in an interview with The News-Letter.
As finals creep closer, Baltimore offers a welcome pause with a weekend full of holiday spirit. Enjoy twinkling markets, a beloved ballet and a movie night with a live orchestra before heading into the last stretch of the semester. Wishing everyone rest, warmth and a happy holiday season.
Campus may be quiet for break, but Baltimore is already in full holiday mode. Saturday is packed with choices from shopping local at Bazaart, while on Sunday, Hampden turns on the lights for Miracle on 34th Street, and the Grinch takes over the Hippodrome for one last burst of cheer.
Mocha and Pearl was founded by Rojeena Thapa as a place where comfort, creativity and community come together. Nestled inside the DoubleTree beside campus, the shop serves handcrafted coffee and boba drinks that have quickly made it a favorite among Hopkins students. Thapa describes the cafe’s journey in an interview with The News-Letter.
Thanksgiving break is almost here, but there is still plenty happening around the city. Kick things off on Friday at Ottobar’s early bird ‘80s dance party, spend Saturday hopping between art, film and live music, and close out the weekend with Talib Kweli at Baltimore Soundstage for a night of sharp lyricism before the holiday begins.
